Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez has suggested that Arsenal are unlikely to be suffering from fatigue when the two clubs meet in the Premier League this weekend.
The Gunners travel north to face the Magpies at St James' Park after knocking CSKA Moscow out of the Europa League in Russia on Thursday, but Benitez has hinted that the London club have a big enough squad to cope with the demands of different competitions.
"Normally, if your team is travelling, you will say, 'We will be a little bit tired.' The other manager will say, 'No.' I have experience of both sides," Benitez told reporters.
"When you play Europa League or Champions League, you have to travel and have all these distractions but also you have a bigger squad. [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang was not travelling [to Russia] – he will be available. They are fine and they are used to doing that. I don't see a big issue.
"Some players may be tired, but when you are used to playing two games a week – especially at this level – I don't think it is a big advantage for us."
Benitez's Newcastle side currently hold 10th spot in the standings and find themselves 10 points clear of the league's relegation zone.
Christopher Dodd
